Billy Sharp set to join Reading

Billy Sharp is set to be re-united with manager Nigel Adkins for the third time in his Football League career, with a loan move for the forward expected to be completed by Reading, according to Telegraph journalist John Percy.

The agreement was reached late this week, when Reading offered terms that were acceptable to Southampton, who had been holding out for a club willing to pay 100% of the former Doncaster striker's wages.

The Sheffield-born finisher spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, but having signed under the stewardship of Sean O'Driscoll, his chances became limited under Alex McLeish and Billy Davies. Sharp featured in thirty-one games, scoring eleven goals.

Sharp, renowned as a poacher and reliable source of goals, was signed by Adkins when he was manager of Southampton in January 2012. During the second half of the season, Sharp chipped in with nine goals in just fifteen games, as Southampton clinched second place in the Championship.

Adkins had also worked with Sharp at Scunthorpe United, after the forward was signed from Rushden & Diamonds. During this two-season spell, he clocked up a remarkable fifty-seven goals in ninety-five appearances.

Following Southampton's promotion to the Premier League, Sharp fell out of favour following the summer arrivals of Jay Rodriguez and Emmanuel Mayuka, added to the existing talents of Rickie Lambert. Just how much of the decision to exile Sharp was Adkins' remains to be seen, but this move would hint that it was an instruction from above.

It is understood that Billy Sharp has already joined up with the Royals squad ahead of their trip to Derby County on Saturday.

Sharp's parent club, Southampton, are preparing for a visit to league leaders Liverpool.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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